For the first time in years, fitness is not an issue for former world No.1 Roger Federer.
And more ominously for his rivals, no longer is confidence.
Federer, 32, revealed the full extent of the personal crisis he faced in 2013 when he touched down for the Brisbane International on Saturday.
But the 17-time grand slam champion said he was now “energised” and ready to again challenge the best after enjoying a rare, untroubled off-season.
“I was able to do more than I thought which is very encouraging,” he said.
“I didn’t play any exhibitions which allowed me to train extremely hard and for a longer period of time.
“It’s the first time in a year that I could practice three, four weeks in a row without any setbacks which has been the problem the last one and a half years.
“Every time I had training (in the past) I had setbacks, little aches and pains, especially in the back from time to time… which cost me confidence.
“These last few months have been important for me, feeling that movement is not an issue any more and I can go full out especially mentally more than anything.”
Federer is looking to bounce back after this year failing to reach a grand slam final for the first time since 2002.
His second-round defeat at Wimbledon ended his run of 36 consecutive grand slam quarter-final appearances.
“My goals are pretty simple for Brisbane and Melbourne (Australian Open) – you want to do as well as you can and get into the groove again because the off-season was a bit longer this time around,” Federer said.
“After that I will look at what my goals regarding rankings and tournament wins, but they are pretty much going to be the same – I want to be part of the best, and hopefully beat the best players in the game.”
Federer did not have to be reminded that fellow tennis great Pete Sampras retired at 31 but was not showing any signs of slowing down ahead of his 17th season despite the Christmas Eve announcement that his family will receive a welcome addition in 2014.
He and wife Mirka already have identical twins Charlene and Myla, who were born in 2009.
“We are just going to go with it. I am not going to reveal any dates or anything,” Federer smiled.
“I am happy Mika is feeling really well so far, that’s important.
“Last time around she sat through that epic match (Wimbledon final) against (Andy) Roddick in 2009 when she was seven or eight months pregnant.
The four-time Australian Open champion confirmed his “childhood hero” Stefan Edberg would join his support team under head coach Severin Luthi in 2014.
